34 NH90 Additional Helicopters for Australia

NHIndustries, June 19, 2006 - NHIndustries is very proud to announce a new success for the NH90: Australia approved on 19 June 2006 the acquisition plan for 34 NH90 helicopters. The announcement has been released in Canberra from the Australian Minister of Defence, The Honourable Doctor Brendan NELSON. According to the Australian AIR9000 Programme, the 34 NH90 ordered are identified under the designation MRH90 standing for “Multi Role Helicopter and come in addition to the first batch of 12 MRH90 signed on 2 June 2005 between the Australian Defence Materiel Organisation and Australian Aerospace, the local fully-owned subsidiary of Eurocopter.

Australian Minister of Defence said this MRH90 acquisition was worth $ 2 billion and will allow Australian Armed Forces to replace both ageing Sea Kings and other Black Hawks.

The twin-engine, medium-lift MRH90 is the Australian version of the NH90 helicopter provided by the consortium NHIndustries, the Company owned by AgustaWestland (32%), Eurocopter (62,5%), and Stork Fokker (5,5%). The MRH90 is equipped with full glass cockpit, Fly-by-Wire control system and advanced Automatic Flight Control System together with state-of-the-art Communication, Navigation and Mission Equipment and offers two wide sliding cargo doors and a rear ramp for higher flexibility and powerful reaction operations.

MRH troop lift helicopters will provide opportunities for joint fleet management. These benefits include greater operational flexibility and efficiency through common operational, training and logistic systems and a capability to rotate personnel, aircraft, spare parts and role-specific equipment between troop lift, special operations and maritime support commitments.

Australia confirms a status of NH90 privileged partner with a total now of 46 NH90 also considering a clear and strong strategic role as far as local NH90 Australian industrial activities are concerned.